Remote, regional and rural teaching experiences: Principals' perspectives: Thriving in regional, rural, and remote educational experiences Part 1
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Narelle Lemon: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1396-5488
Abstract
In this episode, Narelle Lemon, Teachers Supporting Teachers producer and professor based at the Mount Lawley campus at Edith Cowan University, and her series co-host Marnie Harris, a lecturer based in the South West Campus in Bunbury, engage in a thought-provoking discussion with three principals from the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Eliot, principal of Derby District High School, shares his 27-year journey in education and his experiences working in regional and remote schools. Paul, principal at Looma Remote Community School, discusses his 35 years in education and his passion for rural and remote teaching, emphasizing the strong sense of community and belonging in these settings. Esther, principal at Kimberley School of the Air, shares her unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of distance education in the vast Kimberley region.
The principals discuss their motivations for taking on pre-service teachers for professional experience placements, highlighting the importance of developing resilience, confidence, competence, and agility in a supportive environment. They also share insights on how their schools and communities support and assist pre-service teachers during their placements, including thoughtful mentor and supervisor assignments, social activities, and cultural immersion.
The conversation delves into the unique opportunities and challenges faced by pre-service teachers in remote settings, such as the School of the Air, and the differences between professional experiences in community schools compared to regional or metropolitan schools. The principals emphasize the strong sense of family, community involvement, and the life-changing relationships built with Aboriginal students and educators.
The episode also explores the support structures in place for pre-service teachers relocating from their home residence, including financial assistance, social networks, and professional development opportunities. The principals discuss the importance of community integration and the qualities or characteristics pre-service teachers need to thrive in regional, rural, or remote placements, such as reflectiveness, patience, resilience, adventurousness, and self-kindness.
Listeners are encouraged to consider risk and failure as stepping stones to success and to reflect on what putting themselves forward looks like in their own lives, moving beyond the "safe game."
Non-Traditional Research Output
Recorded or Rendered Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2024
Research Statement
This podcast series offers a unique platform for sharing experiences in regional, rural, and remote education. It presents in-depth interviews and reflective discussions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of teaching in these settings. The series showcases pre-service teachers' transformative experiences, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. It addresses critical issues such as cultural responsiveness, community engagement, and educator self-care. The research's significance was recognized by its feature in HQ Magazine on July 3, 2024, amplifying its impact on the education community.
Publication Title
Teachers Supporting Teachers Podcast
School
School of Education
RAS ID
71799
Event Venue
Apple, Spotify and poular platforms
Duration
48:37
Comments
Lemon, N. (Host). (2024, May 27). Remote, regional and rural teaching experiences: Principals' perspectives: Thriving in regional, rural, and remote educational experiences Part 1 (S9 Ep4) [Audio podcast episode]. In Teachers supporting teachers. https://www.buzzsprout.com/972709/episodes/15023422-s9-ep4-remote-regional-and-rural-teaching-experiences-principals-perspectives-thriving-in-regional-rural-and-remote-educational-experiences-part-1